Sweden scored three goals in the final eight minutes of the first period and skated to an impressive 5-2 win over Czechia tonight in front of a loud and yellow-clad, sold-out crowd at Avicii Arena.
The win takes the hosts to the semi-finals on Saturday while Czechia goes home, disappointed after a gold-medal finish on home ice last year. The win also avenges last year’s semi-finals when Czechia romped to a 7-3 win over Tre Kronor.
Lucas Raymond and Leo Carlsson had two goals each for the winners.
“I thought we started really well, taking care of the puck, and we got some goals early on and were able to build off that lead and play a good game,” said William Nylander, who was playing his first game after…